Thierry Neuville: “I feel it’s my time”

Four times world vice-champion over the last four years, Thierry Neuville believes that his time has come to claim his first world crown. He will have to face the outgoing champion Ott Tänak internally.

Published on 15/01/2020 à 13:17

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With the arrival ofOtt Tänak in 2020, Hyundai Motorsport s’est sans doute assuré le line-up le plus sérieux en vue des couronnes mondiales. L’Estonien, sacré avec Toyota Gazoo Racing l’an passé, relèvera le défi Hyundai, et sera aligné à l’année avec Thierry Neuville, basic man of the team based in Alzenau.

The latter, however, intends to win his first crown this season, after having won four vice-championship titles in recent years, first beaten by Sébastien Ogier, then by his new teammate. Could the arrival of the latter constitute new motivation for the Belgian?

“We head into 2020 motivated by the constructors' title and more determined than ever to attack for the drivers' championship, comments Neuville. We have now finished second four times so I feel that it's my time.

It won't be easy, of course, because there are a lot of talented crews. However, we have proven ourselves fast, consistent and resilient in the face of challenges. We want to make the most of our years of experience and reward the hard work of the entire Hyundai Motorsport team with a double. »

Neuville will also have to deal internally with Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo who will be very serious opponents on the rounds which will make up their programs, starting with the Rally Monte-Carlo (January 23-26) for the Frenchman.

An event where Neuville narrowly failed last year against Sébastien Ogier, then a Citroën driver. Revenge next week?